Please join us for our Second Annual MLK Week! All events will be virtual and are open to all. No registration required.
Leaders, please encourage your teams to attend! If you are working on campus and need a computer to attend these events, please email MedDEI@wustl.edu.
Event recordings now available
This post has been updated to include recordings of virtual events.
Last updated Jan. 29, 2021
Monday, January 18
Keynote Address by Professor Dorothy E. Roberts: “Dr. King’s Message on Race, Science and Justice”
4 – 6 p.m.
“Of all of the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” MLK, Jr.
Dorothy Roberts is a social justice advocate and law professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She directs the program on Race, Science, and Society in the Center for Africana Studies. The annual 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Lecture was presented by the Office of Diversity Programs.
Tuesday, January 19
Congresswoman Cori Bush and Panel Discussion on Activism
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” MLK, Jr.
Following a live message from U.S. Representative Cori Bush, panelists will share their work as activists in our community.
Wednesday, January 20
Celebrating Black Joy and Healing with Yoga/Wellness practices led by The Collective STL
Session 1: 7:30 a.m. | Session 2: 5:30 p.m.
“Without love there is no reason to know anyone, for love will, in the end, connect us to our neighbors, our children, and our hearts.” MLK, Jr.
The Collective STL is a vibrant group of Black yoga and wellness instructors, fully committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Black communities in St. Louis.
Thursday, January 21
Keynote Address by David Dwight IV: Racial Equity Activism in St. Louis
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
“The problem of racism, the problem of economic exploitation, and the problem of war are all tied together.” MLK, Jr.
David Dwight IV, lead catalyst at Forward Through Ferguson and Washington University alumnae will discuss the “The Path to Racial Equity” in our region, including the #STL2039 Action Plan and how Washington University School of Medicine can support.
Friday, January 22
Update on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the School of Medicine by Dr. Sherree Wilson
12 – 1 p.m.
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.” MLK, Jr.
Dr. Wilson is Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Washington University School of Medicine. This update will include recent successes, provide an overview of what is ahead and how you can support the work of diversity, equity and inclusion at the medical school.
Brought to you by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Diversity Programs with a special thanks to the MLK Week committee members: Vicky Braun, Joel Dalton, Rosie Jones, Valerie Joyner, Dorian Pierce, Liz Riggs, Poli Rijos and James Zerkel.